We have never done this before but the need became more pressing – or more attractive – last year after the concerts we staged here.

In 2017 world-famous bands including U2 and Coldplay held jam-packed concerts on the hallowed sportsground; while American rocker Bruce Springsteen and superstar Beyonce held major sell-out shows at ‘Croker’ in 2016.

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With further major concerts planned for 2018, and concerns raised over the impact of such shows on the pitch, the GAA has decided to act.

Although the GAA normally imports turf from England; it is understood that this has become a challenging process – leading the association to assess other options.

Aside from Croke Park, there are other stadia and grounds which could benefit from the organisation’s newly-purchased land – as well as the possibility of supplying other venues elsewhere, the spokesman commented.

Strong rural links

The close connections between the GAA, rural Ireland and farming was highlighted this week by legendary All-Ireland winning football manager, commentator and author Eugene McGee.

While commenting on this Saturday’s All-Ireland Junior Club Championship Final – between Multyfarnham (Co. Westmeath) and Knocknagree (Co. Cork) – McGee expressed strong feelings on the matter.

He said: “Rural Ireland is carried by the GAA. All the other long-standing rural organisations like Macra na Feirme and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association don’t have the presence they once had in rural areas.

“The agricultural college [in Multyfarnham] was once central to the community; now the GAA has put Multyfarnham back on the map,” he said.